Records for Electronic Databases in the Online Catalog at Middle Tennessee State University

Abstract

This article recounts a project at the Middle Tennessee State University library to include records for electronic databases in the online catalog. Although electronic databases are accessible via the library's DatabasesA-Z list and related subject guides, cataloging these resources also provides access via the online catalog, allowing more of the library's resources to be accessible in one place. The project is a collaborative effort between the User Services and Collection Management departments, where there is shared responsibility for the acquisition, service, and maintenance of electronic databases. The benefits of cataloging electronic databases are discussed as well as workflow and processing issues.

Database Discovery: From a Migration Project to a Content Strategy

“…Improving communications between the two areas would ensure that e-resources would be added to both the catalog and to LibData. 16 The authors of all of these studies concur that making e-resources more discoverable by end-users is the primary goal of any database list. Discovery is dependent upon a user-friendly and easy to navigate website.…”